Priorities

Yolo County is facing serious financial challenges. That’s the reality—and we can’t afford to ignore it. The choices ahead won’t be easy, but with responsible leadership, careful planning, and a commitment to long-term stability, we can get back on solid ground.

We’re all feeling the burden of rising costs. And just like many families are doing right now, the county must tighten its belt, focus on what’s essential, and make careful—sometimes difficult—choices. If we do that, we can protect what matters most today and, in time, get back to a place where we can afford not just what we need, but some of our aspirations too.

Fiscal responsibility is more than balancing the books—it’s about protecting the services and stability our communities count on now and into the future. That requires:

• Making difficult but necessary budget reductions to restore long-term stability.
• Strengthening our general reserve and safeguarding essential county funds.
• Reducing costs where possible and identifying sustainable, long-term savings.
• Avoiding spending increases that we can’t sustain over time.
• Pursuing steady, reliable sources of revenue—not temporary or one-time fixes.
• Reducing reliance on salary savings, which weakens services and strains staff.

We start by protecting the essential services people count on. We set funds aside now so we’re prepared when the unexpected happens. And we stay realistic about what we can afford.

Above all, we owe it to the public to be honest and transparent. That’s how we build trust. We must prioritize wisely, invest prudently, and ensure every dollar goes toward meeting real community needs—for today and the future.